Tuesday, January 13, 2009 Nickolas V asks

Q: Anxiety back after several years....

i am 37 male, had my first panic attack not knowing what it was like most when i was 26. i went on medication, changed my diet got rid of caffine and was in pretty good shape. I used to take Prozac 10 mg, xanax for when needed and was on a few other things over the years ie Lamictal for depression etc. I maintainted the prozac and also went on Clonzapem 1 mg twice a day. a month ago, my depression and anxity started coming back. I went back to coffee about 5 years ago and didnt think it was hurting me much, took my meds everyday and used the occasional xanax when needed. The last month has been hell and back to the rollercoaster, i have been switched to lexapro for the past week 10mg and dropped the prozac, assuming to raise dose after my appoint in a week (taking for two weeks then), driving is an issue again, and then in making changes i gave up coffee and i am having the worst headache everyday which is causing genralized anxiety. I had a Ct of head and stomach two weeks ago and everything is fine, trying to wait it out, but getting worried this is as good as it gets.

Any thoughts would be great! i function everday as i have to work, but get sleepy a lot and really hate to get behind the wheel of a car in fear of getting out of comfort zone.

Thanks for any thoughts anyone might have.

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Answers (1)

Jerry Kennard, Health Pro

1/14/09 4:55am

Hi Nickolas,

Although you emphasise the various details, my approach would be to simplify things a little and go back to the drawing board. From what you say, my impression is that anxiety has always been a feature of your life (certainly from the age of 26, but I suspect long before this). You made some lifestyle changes and things improved, but I get the impression you have always or regularly been on meds of some sort. Now, at the age of 37, you are experiencing problems again.

The most obvious thing to ask is, what has changed? Unless you have a form of anxiety that is free floating (it doesn't sound that way) your panic has come about for a reason. Once adrenaline is in the system, and it is topped up by anxiety, the number of anxiety-provoking situations can quickly generalize. You mention driving - this is not uncommon. The American Psychological Society provide a useful 'locator' to help find your nearest psychologist. Here's the link.

Because panic and agoraphobia are linked it is not uncommon to find that people avoid more and more situations in order to reduce the sensation of anxiety and/or panic. If panic is treated, the specific situations and events that cause problems, can then be swept up.

As a psychologist, my advice is to seek psychological therapy. I'm not dismissing your medications but I think you probably need a trained specialist to work with you on this. Results are invariably good and I think you will find it worth your while.

Q: Anxiety back after several years....

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